Thomas M. Ammons III

Thomas M. Ammons III died on March 19, 2024. Born in Richmond, Virginia on September 12, 1943, he was the son of Thomas M. Ammons, Jr. and Margaret Warthen Jones Ammons. Tom was always proud of the fact that at the time of his birth, his father was serving as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer in the Pacific and did not return home until 1946.
Tom attended public schools in Richmond and Princess Anne County, graduating from Princess Anne High School in 1962. Tom received his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Virginia in 1966. As an undergraduate, Tom served as vice president of the student body, was a member of the Raven Society and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, and lived at 4 East Lawn his final year. During college, he was also a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for two years. He received his law degree from the University in 1969.
Tom spent the summer between college and law school traveling throughout Europe. He bought a motorbike in Paris on which he traveled to 11 countries, an experience that forever changed his view of the world.
In 1969 and 1970, Tom lived in England and while there, received a Master of Laws degree from the London School of Economics at the University of London. While living in London, he traveled frequently in Europe and North Africa, always avoiding public transportation and instead hitchhiking or often simply walking from town to town.
Beginning in 1970, Tom practiced civil rights litigation in Mobile, Alabama, specializing in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in employment. Returning to Virginia Beach in 1972, Tom began the practice of real estate law and ultimately specialized in land use and condominium law, primarily representing builders and developers. From 1982 to 1989, Tom was a member of the Virginia Beach Planning Commission, serving as secretary for one year, vice chairman for one year, and chairman for five years. In 1988 he initiated a complete rewriting of the City's zoning ordinance, which is still in effect today, and in 1989 the Tidewater Builders Association recognized his efforts to overhaul the City's comprehensive plan.
In 1989, Tom was appointed by the General Assembly to serve as a judge on the Virginia Beach General District Court. He remained on the court until retiring in 2005, and during his tenure served as chief judge for five years. As a judge, Tom greatly admired law-enforcement officers, and always sought to ensure that their voices were heard in the courtroom. For years he was known by the nickname "Slammin' Ammons" for his frequent use of incarceration for repeat violators of the law, and upon retirement, he was made an honorary deputy sheriff in recognition of his support of Virginia Beach law enforcement personnel.
Tom wanted to be the last judge in Virginia to ride a horse to court. The day before he retired in June 2005, he rode his beloved quarter horse, Buddy, to the courthouse. The ride received statewide media coverage.
Tom loved animals his entire life, especially dogs and horses. He served as a board member of the Virginia Beach SPCA for over 20 years, and after retiring from the board, was made an honorary director for life. In 2016, the Norfolk SPCA created the Thomas M. Ammons Award for contributions to animal welfare, given annually to individuals who have demonstrated a dedication to the welfare of companion animals.
In 2005, Tom worked as a volunteer at the animal shelter in Gulfport, Mississippi, which had been decimated by Hurricane Katrina. Tom loved working in animal rescue and later became certified by the Humane Society in disaster animal rescue and by Virginia Tech in horse rescue.
After learning to ride in 2004, Tom began competing in horse shows. In 2008 he was the Atlantic Saddle Club's reserve champion in barrel racing and other speed events. In 2009, he won the Butler Farms championship in team sorting. Tom took roping lessons for three years and in 2009 competed in a professional rodeo and team roping. Tom's faithful companion Buddy died a few years ago at an estimated age of 41 years.
Tom truly loved the University of Virginia, and in 2007 endowed a scholarship for graduate students in arts and sciences. Currently, two such students receive benefits from the scholarship each year. In 2007, Tom was made a member of the Lawn Society by the president of the University in recognition of his financial support. The majority of Tom's estate was left to the University.
A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 5 to 7 PM at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Inc., 2002 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Tom would have been honored and deeply humbled if you would adopt a rescue animal in his memory or consider a contribution to the Virginia Beach SPCA or the Norfolk SPCA.